Blog #1— Writing & Reporting Project — UNC Women’s Hockey
This story was originally written as an assignment for my Writing and Reporting class at UNC-Chapel Hill. We were tasked with creating a narrative-style feature, and I chose to highlight a team close to my heart — UNC Women’s Hockey and its unforgettable first season. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Breaking the Ice: UNC Women’s Hockey’s First Season Brings Community to the Rink
In the fall, the sound of skates on fresh ice and the sharp crack of a stick meeting puck became something new in Chapel Hill. The UNC Women’s Hockey team took to the rink for the very first time, carving out a place for women’s ice hockey on campus — and in the hearts of Carolina fans.
The team’s journey started with a simple idea: bring the excitement of competitive women’s hockey to a campus and community where it had never existed before. However, building a program from the ground up meant more than recruiting players. It meant creating a brand, building awareness, and fostering a community of support.
This season, the team did exactly that. Through engaging social media campaigns, eye-catching game day graphics, and community-driven initiatives, UNC Women’s Hockey grew its following from zero to over 700 in just one year. Fans packed the stands to cheer on the Tar Heels, and local hockey supporters pitched in with travel assistance, sponsorships, and words of encouragement.
As the team’s Media Lead, I worked closely with players to bring their vision to life. I spent hours designing the team’s first-ever jersey, creating promotional graphics for events, and capturing game-day moments that reflected the team’s energy and perseverance. Outside the rink, we used social media to tell stories that resonated: spotlighting players, highlighting our community supporters, and inviting new fans to join the journey.
The first season was about more than just wins and losses. It was about representation, opportunity, and proving that hockey belongs in every corner of North Carolina. As the final buzzer sounded on our debut season, it was clear that UNC Women’s Hockey had sparked something bigger — a growing, passionate community ready to support the team for years to come.
